Joined
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3,248 Posts
Had a burning sensation in my chest numerous times on Sunday 9 days ago and finally drove myself to the ER very late that night --- it seemed serious enough to need attention, but not enough to need my wife to drive me at midnight when she had to be up the next day. I was pretty sure I was having something like acid reflux in my esophagus.
Long story short, less than 24 hours later I had been tested and then transferred to a highly regarded hospital in Syracuse, an hour away, and tested much more extensively and was quickly given open heart surgery / triple bypass. Not really something I'd recommend anyone taking up as a hobby (woodworking is definitely more enjoyable) but not the worst experience of my life.
Yesterday I got out of the hospital and was transferred directly to a heart surgery rehab facility back in Cortland a mile from my house.
My wife tells me I have gotten several boxes of wood in the mail and part of my reason for posting this is to thank the various people who sent them. I keep forgetting to ask her for the return addresses so I don't know WHO exactly to thank, but I'll get to that when I get out. I have always been very grateful to all those of you who have contributed wood to the site, helping me make it the best I can for all of us.
I just finished my full physical evaluation here at the rehab place about an hour ago and I'm happy to report that my competitive nature won out over my physical limitations (but without endangering my chest wound). I'm clearly back to being full of piss and vinegar, although admittedly a little less of each than my normal self. Strength, particularly is still low and there are numerous restrictions placed on me (e.g. I'm forbidden to lift more than 5 lbs for the next 2 months, so no picking up boxes of wood for a while).
Paul
Long story short, less than 24 hours later I had been tested and then transferred to a highly regarded hospital in Syracuse, an hour away, and tested much more extensively and was quickly given open heart surgery / triple bypass. Not really something I'd recommend anyone taking up as a hobby (woodworking is definitely more enjoyable) but not the worst experience of my life.
Yesterday I got out of the hospital and was transferred directly to a heart surgery rehab facility back in Cortland a mile from my house.
My wife tells me I have gotten several boxes of wood in the mail and part of my reason for posting this is to thank the various people who sent them. I keep forgetting to ask her for the return addresses so I don't know WHO exactly to thank, but I'll get to that when I get out. I have always been very grateful to all those of you who have contributed wood to the site, helping me make it the best I can for all of us.
I just finished my full physical evaluation here at the rehab place about an hour ago and I'm happy to report that my competitive nature won out over my physical limitations (but without endangering my chest wound). I'm clearly back to being full of piss and vinegar, although admittedly a little less of each than my normal self. Strength, particularly is still low and there are numerous restrictions placed on me (e.g. I'm forbidden to lift more than 5 lbs for the next 2 months, so no picking up boxes of wood for a while).
Paul
